Transform raw podcast transcripts into polished, readable documents. This skill removes filler words, fixes grammar, adds structure, and preserves authentic voice...
Transform raw podcast or interview transcripts into polished, professional documents that maintain authentic voice while dramatically improving readability.
Raw transcripts from automated services are often unreadable - filled with filler words, incomplete sentences, and poor formatting. This skill cleans them up while preserving what was actually said.
Core Philosophy: Balance authenticity with clarity. Remove everything that doesn't add meaning while preserving what was actually said. Create the "ideal version" of what the speaker wanted to communicate - without changing their words or ideas.
Target: 25-35% length reduction while maintaining 100% fidelity to meaning.
Not for: Written content that wasn't originally spoken, pre-polished articles, or scripts that are already edited.
Create proper header with:
# [Guest Name]: [Compelling Episode Title]
*[Podcast Name] Episode - [Host Names]*
---
## Timestamped Outline
[Add 10 chapters maximum - see guidelines below]
---
## [Time] Chapter Title
[Content starts here]
Timestamped Outline Rules:
**MM:SS** - Descriptive Chapter TitleGood Examples:
Poor Examples:
Replace generic speaker markers (>>, Speaker 1, etc.) with actual names:
**Isaac:** Content hereApply aggressive polishing while maintaining 100% fidelity.
Remove ALL filler words:
Consolidate restarts:
Pick the clearest version when speakers repeat:
Fix awkward grammar:
Keep only the strongest examples:
Add clarity to vague pronouns:
Never edit:
The 100% Fidelity Rule:
Before finishing:
1. Filler Words Remove ALL instances unless part of signature style:
2. False Starts and Restarts
Before: "I think that... well, what I was trying to say is... the main thing is that we need to focus"
After: "The main thing is that we need to focus"
3. Redundant Explanations When the same point is made multiple ways, keep only the clearest version.
4. Verbal Hedging (when excessive)
Before: "I think it's probably maybe kind of important to sort of consider..."
After: "It's important to consider..."
5. Conversational Detours Remove tangents that don't serve the narrative or provide insight.
6. Grammar Issues
7. Excessive Examples If 5+ examples are given for one point, keep 1-2 strongest.
8. Vague Pronouns (minimal intervention) Only add bracketed clarity when meaning is genuinely unclear:
"They [the board members] decided to..."
1. Unique Voice and Natural Rhythm Keep the speaker's distinctive patterns, even if informal.
2. Powerful Statements Preserve exact wording of quotable moments.
3. Emotional Moments Don't sanitize authentic expressions:
4. Specialized Terminology Keep industry/domain-specific language even if uncommon.
5. Cultural References Preserve references that reveal personality and context.
6. Natural Dialogue Patterns Keep the back-and-forth feel of conversation.
Final polished transcript should be:
Before:
"So, um, I think that, you know, what we really need to focus on is, like, the fact that, you know, students are, um, actually learning better when, you know, they have more autonomy."
After:
"Students learn better when they have more autonomy."
(15 words → 8 words = 47% reduction)
Before:
"The thing about... what I'm trying to say is... the main point here is that we need to rethink how we approach this. We need to rethink our approach. What I mean is, the whole system needs to be reconsidered."
After:
"The whole system needs to be reconsidered."
(Kept only the clearest expression of the idea)
Before:
"Look, this bugged the crap out of me for years. Nobody wanted to talk about it. Like, everyone knew, but nobody would say anything."
After:
"Look, this bugged the crap out of me for years. Nobody wanted to talk about it. Everyone knew, but nobody would say anything."
(Only removed the filler "like" - preserved the authentic voice and expression)
references/editing-guidelines.md - Detailed editing rules with examplesreferences/structure-template.md - Header format and chapter guidelinesRemember: 100% fidelity to meaning, 25-35% reduction in length. Remove what doesn't add meaning. Preserve what makes it authentic.
